1-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine

Description

1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)piperazine, also known as **mCPP**, is a **pharmacological research tool** that acts as a **serotonin agonist**. It is not a drug for human consumption and is primarily used in laboratory settings to study serotonin function and its role in various physiological and psychological processes.

**Here's why it is important for research:**

* **Selective serotonin agonist:** mCPP acts predominantly on serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2C receptor, which is known to be involved in mood regulation, appetite control, and other brain functions. This selectivity allows researchers to isolate the effects of serotonin activation.
* **Wide range of effects:** mCPP can induce various physiological and psychological responses, including:
* **Hallucinations:** It can trigger visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations.
* **Mood changes:** It can elicit both positive and negative mood alterations, including anxiety, depression, and euphoria.
* **Cognitive effects:** It can impact attention, memory, and decision-making.
* **Physiological changes:** It can affect body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.
* **Understanding serotonin's role:** By studying the effects of mCPP, researchers can gain insights into the complex role of serotonin in the brain and its implications for conditions like:
* **Depression and anxiety disorders:** Understanding the effects of serotonin on mood and cognition can help develop new therapies for these conditions.
* **Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders:** mCPP's ability to induce hallucinations helps researchers study the underlying mechanisms of psychosis.
* **Obesity and eating disorders:** Investigating serotonin's role in appetite control could lead to novel approaches for treating these conditions.
* **Drug development:** mCPP has been used to screen for new drugs that target serotonin receptors, potentially leading to the development of more effective and safer medications.

**Important Note:** mCPP is a potent compound with potentially dangerous side effects. It is **not safe for human consumption** and should only be used under strict laboratory conditions by qualified researchers.

1-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine: a designer drug; structure in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]